The Anambra Governorship election has come and gone; winners and losers have also emerged as it were. Though there were some hiccups here and there before, during and after the election, it is adjudged as one of the best ever conducted by INEC.

Barely one month to the election, there were palpable apprehension due to politically instigated insecurity. Hence, ANELDERSHIP Forum thought it wise to engage some critical stakeholders and preached peace by reaching out to the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) and all the security agencies.

ANELDERSHIP Forum originated and endorsed letters to INEC and all the service commanders requesting to have audience with them which were approved. During the courtesy visits, ANELDERSHIP Forum ascertained their level of preparedness and underscored the need for synergy amongst the security agencies in ensuring a hitch free, fair and credible election, which they promised to achieve. These agencies are; the police, DSS, Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

During the election proper, ANELDERSHIP Forum observed that the security agencies worked in close collaboration with INEC to protect democratic values, provided level playing field for all political parties, ensured adequate protection of voters, INEC personnel and equipment, accredited observers and other key players before, during and after the election. It is noteworthy that the security agents exhibited highest sense of professionalism, ingenuity, avoiding temptations that could lead to abuse of the rights of the electorate.

It is therefore in the light of these that ANELDERSHIP Forum is calling on the Federal Government to promote across board all INEC staff, service commanders, officers and men who participated in this election as a means of appreciation, moral boosting and encouragement to enable them to do more in future elections. ANELDERSHIP Forum heard the victory sound of the silent majority that has restored our dignity and stopped some dangerous elements from taking over the state.

We wish to pay our respect to President Muhammadu Buhari for being remarkably neutral. He allowed the wish of the people to manifest, being himself a beneficiary of free and fair election. It is good he is bequeathing Nigeria a legacy of free, fair and credible election. This, he has demonstrated, with an improved INEC.

ANELDERSHIP Forum salutes Governor Willie Obiano for his astuteness, sagacity and courage of heart to insist on the candidacy of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. It is only a great leader that will pick a successor who will not only match his legacy but may out-perform him.

AKPOKUODIKE, like the proverbial saying, seasons come and go but you remain unwavering in the pursuit of true democracy. Humility, hardwork and loyalty are the virtues you embody; suffice it to say that you are leadership personified. Your name will be written in the Guinness book of records as a leader who left indelible footprints on the sands of time.

Our immense gratitude goes to God who, in His infinite mercy and grace, encouraged the people to go out and cast their votes for candidates of their choice. ANELDERSHIP Forum greets also all the chieftains and members of all the political parties who exhibited decorum during the election. The forum describes the situation in the state as “the dawn of a new era”. May the Lord reward them greatly.

Finally as an apolitical organization, ANELDERSHIP Forum enjoins the Governor-elect to be magnanimous in victory by extending hand of fellowship in the spirit of true sportsmanship to other contestants to help build the state.

WRITTEN BY JUSTICE IKPEAMA

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